Welcome to Bali, a destination many dream of calling home. For those planning a stay longer than a typical holiday, understanding the KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is essential. A KITAS is Indonesia’s temporary stay permit, designed for foreigners seeking long-term residence beyond 180 days, whether for work, investment, remote employment, or retirement. Navigating its application requires precise knowledge of ever-evolving regulations, making the expertise of a trusted Bali KITAS agent invaluable. I’m Carmen Pereira, Senior Visa Specialist at balikitasagent.com, and I’m here to guide you through the process for 2026.
What is a KITAS and Who is it For in Bali?
The KITAS, or Temporary Stay Permit Card, is your official gateway to living in Indonesia for an extended period, allowing you to reside legally for durations typically ranging from one to five years. Unlike tourist visas such as the Visa On Arrival (VOA/e-VOA) or the B211/C1 visitor visa, a KITAS explicitly permits long-term residence and, depending on its type, specific activities like working or managing a business. Tourist visas, critically, do not allow work or long-term residency.
As of 2026, the KITAS is most relevant to a diverse group of expatriates and long-term visitors in Bali:
- Remote Workers / Digital Nomads: Utilizing the new C2 Remote Worker Visa, which transitions into an ITAS for a 1-year, renewable stay. This is ideal for those working online for non-Indonesian entities.
- Investors / Business Owners: Primarily for individuals holding significant shares or directorships in a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company), often referred to as an Investor KITAS.
- Employed Foreigners: Those hired by local Indonesian companies, requiring a Work KITAS (ITAS linked to a RPTKA/Notifikasi work permit).
- Retirees: Individuals aged 55 and above with stable income and long-term accommodation plans, seeking a Retirement KITAS.
- High-Net-Worth Individuals: Applicants for the Second Home (Golden) Visa route, which grants an ITAS for extended stays, though it’s typically branded distinctly from traditional KITAS.
- Family Members: Spouses and children of existing KITAS/KITAP holders, or foreigners married to Indonesian citizens, who apply for a Dependent KITAS or Spouse KITAS.
Key KITAS Types a Bali Agency Should Advertise in 2026
Understanding the specific KITAS type that aligns with your purpose is the first critical step. Here are the main categories, using both the new C/D visa index naming and their popular market labels:
Remote Worker ITAS (C2 Digital Nomad)
- Typical Use Case: Foreigners legally working online for non-Indonesian employers/clients.
- Key Features: 1-year, renewable; allows remote work for foreign entities (no Indonesian salary); requires a high income, approximately USD 60,000 per year, to demonstrate self-sufficiency.
Investor KITAS
- Typical Use Case: Directors or shareholders of a PT PMA in Bali actively involved in managing or overseeing their business.
- Key Features: Issued for 1-2 years, renewable for up to 5 years total residence; allows management of your own company and residency in Bali; no separate IMTA fee (foreign worker permit fee) if obtained via the investor route.
Work KITAS (Employment ITAS)
- Typical Use Case: Foreign staff officially hired by Indonesian companies (e.g., hotels, schools, NGOs).
- Key Features: 6-12 months validity, renewable; requires a RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan) and Notifikasi (Work Permit Notification); the employer is responsible for paying the DKP-TKA (Foreign Worker Compensation Fund).
Retirement KITAS
- Typical Use Case: Retirees aged 55+ who plan to rent long-term villas and do not intend to work.
- Key Features: 1-year renewable; strictly no work allowed; requires proof of pension or stable income and a long-term housing lease.
Second Home / Golden Visa ITAS
- Typical Use Case: High-net-worth individuals making significant investments or depositing funds in Indonesia.
- Key Features: Offers a 5-10 year stay with multi-entry privileges; requires a substantial deposit in an Indonesian bank or property investment.
Family / Spouse KITAS
- Typical Use Case: Family members joining an existing KITAS/KITAP holder, or foreigners married to Indonesian citizens.
- Key Features: Generally does not allow work unless converted to a Work KITAS; its validity follows that of the sponsoring KITAS holder or Indonesian spouse.
Exact Eligibility & Document Requirements (2026)
While specific requirements vary by KITAS type, certain foundational documents and criteria are common across most applications in 2026:
Common Base Requirements for Most KITAS in 2026
- Valid passport with at least 6-12 months validity beyond the intended KITAS duration.
- Recent passport-style photo.
- Completed online application submitted via evisa.imigrasi.go.id, typically facilitated by your sponsor or agent.
- A legitimate sponsor, which could be a company (PT PMA/local) or an individual, depending on the visa type.
- Proof of funds / income, such as bank statements, payslips, or pension/retirement income, to demonstrate financial stability.
- Health insurance covering Indonesia, with enforcement becoming increasingly strict post-Covid.
- A clean criminal record certificate from your home country, frequently requested for long-term and high-value visas.
It is crucial to understand that after receiving your e-Visa approval and arriving in Bali, biometrics and enrollment at the local Immigration Office in Bali are mandatory for the final issuance of your physical KITAS card or e-ITAS. This step cannot be skipped.
A. Remote Worker (Digital Nomad) ITAS – C2 Specifics
Launched in 2024, the C2 visa targets a specific demographic:
- Purpose: To perform remote work exclusively for overseas employers or clients. While you may become tax-resident in Indonesia, you will not be employed by an Indonesian entity.
- Main Financial Requirement: Proof of substantial income, generally around USD 60,000 per year, to assure self-sufficiency without engaging in local employment.
Application Process: Why an Agent is Key
The KITAS application process, from initial consultation to final approval and biometrics, can be complex and time-consuming. A reputable bali KITAS agent like balikitasagent.com simplifies this by:
- Consultation: Determining the correct KITAS type for your specific situation.
- Document Gathering: Assisting in compiling all required documents, ensuring they meet Indonesian Immigration standards.
- Application Submission: Expertly filing your online application via the e-Visa portal, minimizing errors.
- Liaison: Communicating with Immigration on your behalf, tracking your application’s progress.
- Post-Arrival Support: Guiding you through the mandatory biometrics and e-ITAS issuance at the local Immigration Office.
Realistic Pricing & Processing Times (2026)
Transparency in pricing and realistic timelines are paramount. Here’s what to expect in 2026:
Official Government Fees (PNBP)
These are fixed fees paid directly to the government:
- KITAS ITAS (1-year): IDR 1,000,000
- Multiple Entry Exit Permit (MTE) – often included with KITAS: IDR 1,750,000
- DKP-TKA (Foreign Worker Compensation Fund) for Work KITAS: USD 1,200 per year
Typical Agency All-in Ranges (2026)
These ranges cover agent fees, sponsorship, administrative costs, and usually include the government PNBP. Expect variations based on the complexity of your case and agency services:
- Remote Worker C2 (1-year, all-in): IDR 12,000,000 – IDR 18,000,000
- Investor KITAS (1-year, all-in): IDR 18,000,000 – IDR 25,000,000
- Work KITAS (1-year, all-in): IDR 20,000,000 – IDR 30,000,000 (plus the USD 1,200 DKP-TKA)
- Family/Spouse KITAS (1-year, all-in): IDR 8,000,000 – IDR 12,000,000
- Second Home (5-year, all-in): IDR 30,000,000 – IDR 50,000,000
Chat a visa specialist on WhatsApp →
Disclaimer: We are a licensed visa facilitation service, not a government office, and this page is general information — not legal advice. Fees shown are agency service estimates, not official government fees. Requirements change; we confirm the latest rules for your case before you apply.